Salem County's third rabies case of year reported

SALEM -- Health officials reported today they had confirmed the third case of rabies in Salem County this year.

Salem County Public Health Coordinator Herb Roeschke said the health department received test results that indicated a raccoon has tested positive for rabies after an incident that occurred in Carneys Point Township on March 25.

A resident there reported that the family dog had an altercation with a raccoon, which ended in the death of the raccoon. The dog was currently vaccinated against rabies.

The raccoon was tested for rabies, which came back positive. The raccoon had no exposure to humans or other pets, according to Roeschke.

Whether there is an increase in rabies in Salem County this year is not clear, but this time last year there had been no reported cases.

Health officials said that county residents are warned against attempting to provide assistance to stray animals that may seem distressed or act strangely.